“Ken Corporation looks forward to playing an active role in further enhancing the Lake Tahoe community for all who live, work and vacation here,” said Kensuke Tanaka, president of Ken Corporation Ltd. “We are committed to continuing the strong relationship that Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe Resort has forged with the local community.”

Recipients of the $50,000 donation include Tahoe Youth & Family Services, $15,000; Tahoe Tallac Association, $15,000; Tahoe Arts Project, $10,000; and the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor, $10,000. Monies will be earmarked for projects including capital improvements, program development and to attract events and performers.

“This donation is a clear indication of Embassy Suites’ recognition that the enrichment of our community begins with the education of our youth and the provision of quality cultural events,” said Sam Folio, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. “These funds will undoubtedly have an immediate and significant impact on the quality and level of services provided by each recipient.”

Since gaining ownership of the property on Dec. 20, 2000, Ken Corporation Ltd. has taken an aggressive approach toward enrichment of the community, including the unveiling of plans to commence a multi-million dollar renovation of Embassy Suite Lake Tahoe Resort, the cornerstone of the Park Avenue Redevelopment Project.

Established in 1972, Ken Corporation is based in Tokyo with an affiliate office in Los Angeles and is a pioneer of Japanese Real Estate Investment Trusts. Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe Resort is the first U.S.-based property owned by Ken Corporation.

Celebrating its 10th year of operation, the 400-suite Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe Resort has earned a reputation as one of the South Shore’s premier resorts, annually receiving the AAA Four-Diamond Award, signifying its stature among the top 5 percent of more than 30,000 properties statewide. The property is currently the closest resort to the new $23 million gondola at Heavenly Ski Resort, within easy walking distance of the centerpiece of the Park Avenue Redevelopment Project.